Occurs in south-eastern Qld and in N.S.W. along the Great Dividing Ra. from Glen Davis to near Jervis Bay and south of Eden, extending into Vic. as far west as Wilsons Promontory and the Dandenongs. In loam, clay-loam and sand, sometimes in sandstone, on hillsides in forest and woodland. Flowers Apr.–July. Map 237.

Killed by fire and regenerates from seed. Presumed hybrids with B. ericifolia subsp. ericifolia have been reported (Taylor & Hopper, 1988). The name B. cunninghamii based on Seiber's collection and name was also published later in 1827 by Sprengel and Schultes & Schultes f.